Advent 2016 I am so grateful that you are going to join us for the next few weeks as we point our focus back to Jesus and his incredible entrance into the world. We serve a great God and one who loves us so much that he sent his Son. He came in such an unexpected way to show us his hope, peace, joy and love. Gathering stories, hymns, recipes, and scriptures together has filled me with such expectancy for unity in our world through Jesus Christ. My hope is that you truly see what this season is about and that you can share the Gospel message this season with those in your circle. Let someone know about the magnificent gift of salvation and that He came for all who are broken, weak, depressed, lost, lonely, confused so that they might be found. He has so much for His children! Allow these messages of hope, peace, joy, and love to soak in this season and see what change can come in your own heart. This is for you and for all those in need of a Savior.
- Kaitlyn Yates, Editor
A week of Hope I remember as a child waiting for Christmas to come and hoping I would get what I asked Santa Claus for. It was usually a safe bet that I would. My parents assigned my brothers and me a spending limit. We would spend hours looking through the Sears and Roebuck “Wishbook� deciding what we wanted and then carefully add up the price of each item to make sure we stayed within the limit. Then we wrote our letters to Santa and waited with great expectation. On Christmas morning our hopes were seldom disappointed because we knew our parents, we knew they loved us, we followed the rules, and we asked for things in the realm of possibility. Hope rests not on what is hoped for but in whom we hope. We can hope for reasonable things but if there is no one who can provide those reasonable things, then our hopes are in vain. Sometimes under the tree on Christmas morning there was more than my brothers and I had asked for. It came courtesy of the magic of Christmas and the love of our parents. At Christmas we remember God gave us more than we asked for or dreamed of. Instead of an earthly king to conquer our enemies and provide peace, God gave us a heavenly king who died for us, who gives us peace even in times of difficulty, and who provides life abundant and eternal. Hope in God for those things God desires is never disappointed.
- Dr. Bob Dunston
Sunday, November 27th
Stars and Fling-shot Monkeys
Have you ever squinted your eyes and looked at a Christmas tree? This was one of my favorite things as a kid; there is something magical! I have found that most people do this just like we gaze at the stars on a clear night. One Christmas about ten years ago, my son was away at Christmas. Now it’s not so unusual to be away from your Mom once you’re an adult, but what made this year different was my son was in Bagdad-half-way around the world. To say that I prayed for him is an understatement. He chose to enter the army, he chose to become a tanker. He chose to go to war. We talked once a month, wrote emails, and even old fashioned letters. One of those important conversation, we talked about God’s will in his life. He told me he was doing a lot of guard duty and was selected as a unit sniper. In a situation like this you think a lot about life and the significance of death. “Why do you think I was chosen?” My young son asked. We agreed that he couldn’t be any safer than in God’s will. At that moment, I shared with him a verse I had been praying for him out of Daniel. “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” We agreed that he couldn’t be any safer than in God’s will. Daniel 12:3 “You’re being a witness both in service and back in camp. You have a mellow personality and you’ve always had a cool head. You are being entrusted with a special duty and one that God knows you won’t take casually. You are being trusted, by man, but more importantly by God. YOU are going to shine like those stars you see at night.” What can I do for him, I thought. Suddenly, fling-shot monkeys came to mind. You know those long-bodied furry toys. My son always had long-armed monkeys hanging in his room. I know! I’ll send him a box of monkeys. Silly as this sounds, the fling-shot monkeys were a hit. All the guys in the unit played with them shooting them down the hall, waiting to attack, enjoying a toy from home. Remembering that we at home cared!
- Dr. Karen Goldman
33 years ago my parents shared their first Christmas together. Beginning with small means as my dad was a Seminary student, their Christmas tree came from a dumpster and their tree topper was made from aluminum foil and cardboard. In their tiny apartment, they read together in candlelight the passage in Luke 2. 28 years later, I was 20 and together we headed to our church for a service the day before Christmas eve. It was just us three and no one else was able to make it. The next few moments we shared I will cherish forever. In our sanctuary with a few lights on, my dad read the passage of Luke 2. I instantly thought about the story of my parents first Christmas and I was so thankful and humbled. I thought how blessed am I to be able to share this moment with my parents. As we look to Christmas, the passage of Mary telling Elizabeth the news stands out to me. One of my favorite scriptures in the bible is when Elizabeth responds and says,� But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?!� Elizabeth showed humble appreciation. During this season I think to myself why am I so favored that the Lord would love me. That God would send His son to save me and the world. My heart is overwhelmed. We serve a loving God. Today be reminded of a God who loves us deeply and fully.
- Kelsey Infield
Monday, November 28th
Tuesday, November 29th
Hope Shines from the Everlasting Light The Christmas season is a time for reflection as well as hope for the future. Not only do we reflect on the current year, but we remember Christmas plays, carols, presents, meals, and many joyous celebrations we have experienced throughout our lives. We reflect on all of our blessings and make hopeful plans for the New Year. Celebrating the birth of our Savior reminds us of the hope we have for eternity. The classic “O little town of Bethlehem� is a perfect reflection of this hope. It was penned by Phillips Brooks for the children in Sunday school at his Philadelphia church. Brooks was inspired to write the lyrics based on a Christmas Eve horseback ride between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Advent season we can reflect on the wondrous miracle of Christ coming to Earth and rejoice in the hope he brings to our hearts. O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight May God bless each of you during the Christmas season and the new year!
- Jennifer Simpson
The Christmas puzzle from the large multi-puzzle box was nearly complete, save the final piece. Staring at the void and out of pieces, I realized this puzzle I had completed with Mom last Christmas couldn’t be finished. Suddenly, my frustration with that missing piece symbolized the hole left by my mother’s recent death and my search for solace during the holidays.
Mom was wise and strong in her faith, so I had no doubt she was in Heaven with other friends and loved ones this Christmas season. Envisioning Mom whole, healthy, healed, and communing with her Savior whom she served faithfully brought much joy and hope. Yet grief overwhelmed me as I stared at the gaping hole in the puzzle. As I reached for the box to put the puzzle away, I noticed Mom’s handwriting on a small bag containing a single puzzle piece. The note read, “I don’t know which one this goes to.” Could it be? Of all these TEN puzzles? Doubtful but hopeful, I removed the piece and placed it perfectly into the hole. As tears flowed, I realized Mom helped me finish our puzzle, one last time. Completion brought comfort. Many of us deal with loss during the holidays, but we have a Savior who promises compassion and comfort for all. He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1: 3-4). He is our hope, and He is our comfort. He completes us.
- Dr. Gina Bowlin
Wednesday, November 30th
Thursday, December 1st
Isaiah 40, 1-5 Handel’s Messiah has many famous choruses and oratorios that have become synonymous with the Christmas season. Several of them are based on this passage of scripture. The tenor solo: Comfort Ye My People and the two choruses Every Valley, as well as And the Glory all come from these 5 verses. As a freshman voice major at Cumberland College, one of the first solo pieces I was assigned by Dr. Tarry was Comfort Ye My People. I must admit that it was probably beyond my meager talent to perform that song as it was intended, and so intent was I on the technical aspects of the song, that I really missed the hopeful message that it broadcast. God himself whispers words of hope and peace: “Be comforted; your hard service will come to an end, your sin has been paid for. There is one preparing the way for the coming Messiah...” We do not live in a particularly hopeful society. We are beleaguered with war, and terrorism, economic volatility, intolerance and inequality, and the voices of hope are generally drowned out by the shouts of anger and hatred and strife. However, we should never forget that Christmas begins with hope. The coming of the Christ (both then and now) is a reminder that we have not been forgotten. God knows and understands our fear, and grief and suffering…and assures us that the uncertainty we are experiencing is not the end of the story. Our hard labor is not in vain. Our doubts and guilt and inadequacies are covered by the love of God, who sends his Son to comfort us. This word of comfort is followed by the triumphant, “And the glory of the Lord will be revealed and ALL mankind will see it.” If ever there was a reason to hope in this season, this is it!
- Dr. Dennis Trickett
Let us journey together to the world as it was nearly two thousand years ago. On the brightest of days, spiritual death and darkness still towered over every human life since the fall of Adam. None could escape it. It ruled with tyrannical supremacy. It governed all of humanity without mercy or disregard. All, young and old, were subject to the harshness of this ruler. He who held the power of this death and darkness was the lord of darkness himself, Satan. There was nothing mankind could do to free themselves from this prison. No matter how many sins you refrained from or how many good things you performed, the grip of this darkness was unrelenting. Man was in a hopeless condition. But then, on a dark cool night, there could be heard the cries of a woman in labor. But not just any woman, a young woman named Mary from the lineage of King David; a virgin. How could this be? What was at work that a virgin was giving birth? The ruler of darkness was soon reminded of a promise made by God Himself four thousand years earlier, “the Seed of the woman would crush his head.� Could this be what was happening? As the Child was born a light shone out of Him. A light that made all darkness retreat. For the first time, what had mercilessly ruled humanity was retreating in terror from this glorious light. The heavens themselves declared a King had been born; angels spilled into the earth singing of the One who had come to destroy spiritual death. Darkness was hiding, for Hope had been born.
- Chris Romine, Pastor Life Church: Corbin, Kentucky
Friday, December 2nd
Saturday, December 3rd We use the word hope in our common vocabulary as we wish each other the best for the day or on a big event, but this word means so much more. Hope is what the Christmas season is all about. All of Scripture leads up to this moment. We see a people longing for a Messiah. They are waiting for the promised one, the one that will change everything. Then as we open the pages of the New Testament, hope is born. The Messiah is here. Love has come down to bring hope to a lost world. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, this Christmas season let us remember what Immanuel truly means, “God with us.” Scripture is clear that life will not be easy. Jesus reminds us that there will be hard times, but that we are to take heart because he has overcome the world. No matter what season of life we are in, we have all experienced hard times. Times that it does not seem there will be a way out or that the pain we are feeling will end. But Immanuel offers us hope. A hope that does not disappoint. A hope that is unwavering. He is with you. He will never leave you. He sees you. He remembers you. He loves you. This is what the Christmas season draws us back to, God gave his only son because he loves us and because he wants to be with us. This truth offers a hope like nothing this world can offer. I encourage you to spend these days of advent reflecting on the hope you have in Jesus Christ and, “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:23 : John 16:33 : Romans 5:5 : Isaiah 41:10 : Deuteronomy 31:6 : Genesis 16:13: Romans 15:3 :Romans 5:8
- Magan Atwood
Week of Hope Recipe Spinach Bread Dip- B.J. Temple 1 (10oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, drained. 1 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup mayo 1 pkg. dry vegetable soup Mix all ingredients together. Refriderate mixture overnight before serving.
A week of Peace Christmas throws me into a state of anxiet every year. Trying to sing along with Christma carols, I keep tripping over lines about peace and goodwill. Every year, we just seem further from the ideal. Perhaps becasue of these conditions and the hyper-individualism of our culture, our sense of peace has shrunk. We think of peace as an individual and internal sense of well-being, a tranquil and unperturbed state of mind induced by a bubble bath, a romance, or a piece of chocolate. Peace is about me feeling good. In Isaiah 9:6, an important passage often read at Christmas, the Messiah, Jesus, is called sar-shalom, the Prince of Peace. This shalom, the peace of which the prophet speaks, is first of all communal-it is the peace of God which grows in community and brings forth flourishing shared by all. How can individuals be at peace, when the community around them is falling apart? Nor is peace a “state of being� that is achieved. It is an ongoing relational process. Blessed are the peace-makers, says Jesus, himself being the foremost. The state of peace between God and forgivien sinners is maintained not because of an emancipation proclamation, but becasue of the living presence of God the Son, his ongoing relationship with the Father. And peace on earth with each other, if we are to have it, rests only in the difficult and continual practice of confession, patience, apology, and forgiveness. Peace is not a state to be achieved but a process to be practiced. The verse immediately before the Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:5, echoes the violent reality of our world. God reaches into the bloddy chaos, the tumult of war and destruction, and sends his Son. It is by walking in his footsteps that we too can begin to become peace-makers.
- Dr. Jefferson Calico
Sunday, December 4th Evil thrives on war and chaos. From the foundations of the Earth, the Great Enemy has waged his perpetual war for our eternal destruction by plaguing our soul with disorder. When our soul is disordered and lacking internal peace, we are out of touch with His divine plan and love. Yet, victory in this war is possible through the peace provided by the birth, life, teachings, and resurrection of Jesus. Placing our faith in Christ, and accepting Him as our savior, offers humanity its only means of having a peace through a well-ordered soul. Our peace-through-Christ allows man to “turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14). Thus, in this season of celebrating the birth of our Savior, we must remember to “be still and know He is God (Psalm 46: 10). By seeking the peace born in the manger, the shadow of the enemy is not permeant, the chaos he seeks to sow shall not be reaped, and the disorder of the soul he pursues is calmed through the light of hope, the brightness of salvation, and the peace brought to our souls.
- Dr.Nathan and Dr.Emily Coleman
During Christmas, Eastern Orthodox services often repeat the Nativity troparion: Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, Has shone to the world the Light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, Were taught by a Star to adore Thee, The Sun of Righteousness, And to know Thee, the Orient from on High. O Lord, glory to Thee! This hymn praises the Lord’s peaceable response to the magi. Rather than attacking their idolatry, He accommodates their weakness. Seeing their gaze fixed on the heavens, as a wise Teacher He places a star in the heavens where they will see it. By that star, He leads them to the Creator of stars, Who exceeds the stars in glory more than the sun exceeds them in brightness. Christians justly lament our society’s materialism (and our own), especially that surrounding Christmas. The Lord, however, responds peaceably to us too. Rather than attacking our idolatry, He accommodates our weakness. Seeing our gaze fixed on the earth, as a wise Teacher He becomes a material thing—a Baby—on the earth where we will see Him. In that material thing He leads us to recognize Himself, the Creator of all things, Who exceeds all creatures in glory.
- Dr. Reid Davis
Monday, December 5th
Tuesday, December 6th The Master’s House
They gathered near the windows, their eyes searching for a single flame in miles of cold, unsearchable darkness. The Master had built their house with his own two hands, each piece of lumber and thorny spike driven with excruciating purpose, intention, and design. It was a home built for the ages, one of splendor and magnificent accomplishment, and for all its grandeur, one also of great humility. Inside the home dwelt all the creatures of the world, every man, woman, and infant, their eyes like the pendulum of a clock, seeking The Master first to the left, then to the right and back again. In steady gait, with steps practiced from the foundations of the world, The Master appeared, his lantern driving down the night, his flame beating back the cold. As if in one motion, all hearts and eyes fixated upon his approach, the people with hands folded in supplication. The house itself gave way its oaken door, and soon the wooden floor lay bare beneath The Master’s feet. His presence overshadowed the room, and with great anthems, the people’s voices proclaimed his arrival with songs of love, peace, and good will. The Master was within the house, and peace, his great companion, followed with him.
- Dr. Shannon Deaton
Comfort Ye My People A few years ago our family had done some Black Friday shopping. Saturday rolled around by the time we realized that something we had purchase would have to be returned. On Saturday night I decided to make a trek to the store for this return. Big mistake. I left our return at the service desk and made my way back to the area to get the item that was the right size. As I walked through the store it looked like a bomb had gone off in the store: merchandise everywhere, piles and piles of clothing strewn about, weary looking workers in every department, and tempers were hot. But peppy Christmas songs played over the intercom. Back at the service desk it was not a good scene. No one was happy at all about being there, about being in line, or about having to return or exchange or take store credit or whatever we were encouraged to do. Still, peppy Christmas songs played over the intercom. Little good they did; if only the Christmas songs were enough to cure our weariness brought on by the self-imposed madness of the season. Fast forward a few days to Christian worship and a performance of Handel’s Messiah. We hurried to our places for the concert. After the beautiful musical introduction … a lone tenor voice sang these words recorded by Isaiah, ‘Comfort ye, Comfort ye, Comfort ye my people.’ What a vivid reminder of God’s goodness and steadfast love this music was. With all of the words taken directly from Scripture, we were compelled to sit still, to listen, and reflect upon the Good News of the Savior’s birth. This season may we be reminded that our hope, our comfort, our rest and peace is a gift specifically from the Lord our God.
- Ande Myer, Pastor at First Baptist Church Williamsburg,KY
Wednesday, December 7th
Thursday, December 8th Luke 1:26-38 (NLT) The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings,[a] favored woman! The Lord is with you![b]” 29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel[c] forever; his Kingdom will never end!” 34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.[d]” 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. The angel told Mary not be afraid because she had a calling on her life. We need to remember that we to have a calling to carry out. God has provision and peace for those who do His will. I hope my response is as clear as Mary’s in times of uncertainty. “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true!”
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon[a] his shoulder, and his name shall be called[b] Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Can you imagine what the disciples felt when they were stuck in their boat during a vicious storm? I don’t have many fears, but drowning in a large body of water might be up there. The closest I came was while white water rafting in Colorado. Our boat flipped over at the very beginning of the rapid and we bailed. I remember being tossed up and down and side to side by crashing waves. Every time that I thought I was about to be out of it, I was overtaken again. Water does not mess around! This is what disciples feared. And yet, there was Jesus – asleep! Who does that? When the disciples pushed off of shore that morning, the sun rising over glassy water, I would guess many of them felt at peace. However, once that storm hit things began to change. It begins by being nervous, then a little scared, and finally full on panic. And yet, Jesus slept. Peace that comes from circumstances will be temporary, but the peace that comes from a Person, the Prince of Peace, and has it’s roots in confidence in him, perseveres through any storm. Peace does not come from stillness of a situation, but by knowledge of the one that is greater than any circumstance. After all, Jesus warned us that “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).” He has won, he stills the wind with a word, he levels the mountains and raises the valleys in his perfect leadership, and he promises to never leave us or forsake us. So next time you are tempted to worry, instead of trying to get rid of the storm, let peace guard your heart as you put your hope in our victorious Lord; the Prince of Peace.
- Dan Perkins, Radiant Intensive Pastor, Radiant Church: Kansas City, Kansas
Friday, December 9th
Saturday, December 10th The Christmas season is typically associated with colder weather. Many of the Christmas songs feature a yearning for a winter wonderland and sleigh rides through the white and drifting snow. However, as I celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace I often ponder warmer weather activities. In particular, I consider our annual family vacation to the beach. We typically book our rental house during the holiday season, and securing the reservation propels me into beach mode. If I close my eyes tight enough and block out all distractions I can recreate the peaceful rhythm of the waves meeting the shoreline and the majesty of the various hues in the sky as the sun sets. In my mind’s eye the beach on which I stand is comprised of countess grains of sand. Like snowflakes, these grains of sand are unique. They vary in terms of shape, size, color, origin, and purpose. As the words of Jeremiah 1:5 remind me, we are all a unique creation. Like individual grains of sand, people are created with diverse traits, talents, and experiences. My prayer is that we will find peace this Christmas season as we embrace our God-given uniqueness and encourage others to do the same.
- Dr. Eric Stephens
Week of Peace Recipe Potato Soup 6 potatoes 1/2 onion, chopped 8 oz. sour cream 3/4 stick of butter 1 1/2 cup milk 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cream of celery soup 1/2 tsp. garlic salt Salt & Pepper to taste 8 oz. shredded cheddar chees 1/2 cup bacon bits
Cook sliced potatoes in enough water to cover. Do not drain; mash potatoes up. Mix all other ingredients into potatoes. Cook, stirring often, until all is heated and cheese is melted.
A week of Joy This week’s theme is joy. The word joy occurs over 200 times in the Bible. Over 30 biblical language words (Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek) are translated by our English word joy. God wants His people to be people of joy. Even creation is commanded to “sing for joy before the Lord” (1 CHR 16:33). When God accomplishes His purposes, there is joy and gladness among His people (EST 8:17). Paul was filled with joy when he thought of the church at Philippi because they partnered with him in the spreading of the gospel (PHIL 1:4). There are lots of reasons to be filled with joy and to express joy. But the main reason that Christians have – and express – joy is because of what God did in Christ: He gave us salvation and the opportunity to spend eternity with Him. In Christ we have a joy that the world neither gives nor can take away. Many of us grew up singing the old chorus, “I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart . . . down in my heart to stay.” As you anticipate the celebration of the birth of our Lord, I pray that when reading this week’s devotions, you “will be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 PET 1:8) that is ours in Christ. Then express thanks to God for His joy that is yours in Christ, and share that joy with others.
- Dr.Kirby Clark
Sunday, December 11th Look for Joy
In his 1828 Dictionary, Noah Webster defined joy as the passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good. What causes such a passion and such an emotion to spark within you? Unfortunately, some of us struggle to answer this question in a non-generic way; if we can answer the question at all. One reason we struggle comes from an idolization of happiness, which is evanescent and perpetually touched with sadness, as it is contingent upon circumstance. Another reason we struggle comes from the things that we see on a daily basis; because it is from the things we see, that our expectation is established. No wonder we struggle to answer the question -- life has trained us to expect very little good in our lives; which in turn has caused us to become joy deficient. In Psalm 118:24, King David writes ‘this is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it’. Regardless of each day’s circumstance, all of us have a choice: to expect good or not expect good. To choose joy or not choose joy, and our choice is entirely determined if we choose to look at. a dead and broken world, or an alive and loving Savior. Joy is a choice so choose wisely. The fountain of joy flows not from the circumstances of life but from the person of Jesus [read Hebrews 12:1-2]. Despite a dark world, All Is Bright friends! Look to Jesus.
- Garrett Prechtl, Lead Pastor,Venue Church: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
My most tender childhood memories of Christmas are from attending midnight mass in my hometown of Manchester, NH, with my parents and twin sister. We always went to the chapel at the hospital where my father was an anesthesiologist. The chorus of nuns sang beautiful Christmas hymns, all in French. It was sweeter than words can convey. It was almost always bitter cold and snowy. If we were extra lucky, it was snowing as we travelled there and on the way home. The snow was squeaky/crunchy, the air “smelled like snow,� and the world had a quiet that only comes with falling snow. It was magical. Many in KY find the bare trees depressing. I could not feel more differently. With a blanket of white across the ground, and all the more with a bright moon shining on it, you can see much farther than when there are leaves on the trees and lush growth on the forest floor. With Christmas in mind, it is a time when the deep and quiet things in the forest and in our hearts are laid bare. It is immensely beautiful and hopeful with its promise of spring, but it is a time to search our hearts for more of Him as we are reminded of His birth, His arrival to dwell among us, Immanuel, and to invite Him to search our hearts, know us, test us, find anxious thoughts, and lead us in the way everlasting. This is our joy!
- Dr. Renee Yetter
Monday, December 12th
Tuesday, December 13th
It is a rainy November morning, the 9th to be exact, and we just finished a very messy and volatile election with a surprising result. I can’t deny that I feel concerned for the future of this country and our ability to reconcile our differences. As I think towards the Christmas season, I am struggling with how I may find joy and peace in the midst of uncertainty. Interestingly enough, the days into which Jesus was born were dark, fraught with political unrest, and downright dangerous. Within two years of his birth, Joseph and Mary gathered up their toddler and fled to Nazareth for their lives. Indeed the very moments of Jesus’ birth were clouded in struggle. How did they do it? How did Mary accept this unexpected pregnancy … the judgments and alienation? How did she travel on a donkey when she was so pregnant? How did she handle having to give birth in a dark barn, surrounded with animals? How did Joseph trust, when he knew this baby was not his? How did he stay by her? Luke 1:46-48 tells us that Mary sang out to God in the midst. “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior … for he has regarded the humble state of His servant.” Mary’s hope was not destroyed by the painful realities of her young life. Her experience of God in the midst overcame the fear and filled her with joy. May we in humility find the same!
- Dr. Jane Whitaker
Samuel Johnson’s lovable character, Rasellas, maneuvers the complicated twists and turns of life in pursuit of happiness only to discover that each and every source he taps is yet another empty outlet that leaves him frustrated, dejected, and alone. We sympathize with this passionate believer because naïve as he is, he repeatedly shows resilience in the face of disappointment. He is smart and devoted enough to succeed in the various avenues he experiments with (literature, philosophy, science, etc.), and yet the cards appear cruelly stacked against him. We feel for him as door after door slams shut as if he is the targeted victim of a malicious cosmic joke. Our own life journey frequently feels as hopeless as that of Rasselas’s. Circumstances change, plans fail, people disappoint, and the happiness we seek in this world will always leave us empty-handed. But the will of Christ is not to confuse and confound. He came “that [we] might have life and that [we] might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Dark as our circumstances may appear, there is much joy to be found in this life if we seek it. We will never attain it in the acquisition of treasures, in our own accomplishments, or in the responses of others. It is instead a peaceful state of contentment that is ours when we daily walk in the company of our savior. Close by His side, we are always assured that while sorrow may be our lot today, “joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). May the perfect joy of Christ be in your heart this Christmas season and always.
- Dr.Cristy Hall
Wednesday, December 14th
Thursday, December 15th
As a child, the holiday season is filled with so many wonders, so many wishes, dreams, so much excitement, and hope. Children are filled with wonder at the sight of all the decorations and lights. They dream of the presents they hope to receive from Santa. To them, the wonder and hope of Christmas is so tangible. It’s all around them. Then we get older and start to getting wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of shopping, and preparing, cooking, and creating. We spend more time getting ready for the 25th of December than we do reflecting on what Christmas brings us each year. Over the last few years I started to pray and seek from the Father what it was that He really wanted me to experience during the Christmas season. I love all the lights, bows, the cocoa, and gifts just as much as the next person. If we can set all those things aside, we can encounter the true glory that is Christmas for all that it’s worth. Christ came to deliver us, to restore us, to give us life! What a wonder, a joy, and a hope Christ is to each of us! I pray that the glory of God is all around you this season.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 - Kamryn Olivier, Graduate Assistant
Christmas goes by so fast. I am always sad when Christmas night comes because it’s all over. Pleasure is never permanent. It’s mostly in little moments. It’s the 2-minute opening of a present or eating a Christmas cookie. It’s the simple joy of the Starbucks red cup. It’s the days off between Christmas and New Year’s. Beauty, bliss, pleasure, it’s always in moments. The nature to possess these moments permanently is in constant conflict with the reality that most pleasure is temporary. God created pleasure. He isn’t against it, but I’m learning about how he uses it. These moments are His gifts to us. And he’ll never let us possess them because otherwise they will possess us. The best things in life we can’t put in a little bottle on the shelf to be picked up whenever we want to enjoy them again. Most of these things can’t be obtained or captured. So, just when you’re tempted to try to figure out how you can hold on to something longer, just stop, and enjoy the moment for what it is. Look at the Christmas tree. Look at your loved one opening gifts on Christmas morning and smile. Savor those bites of the cookie. Then look to Jesus and thank him for the moments he gives you. Because he wants you after all and all those things were meant to lead you to him to begin with. Because he is to be our true source of joy!
- Amy Perkins, Radiant Intensive Pastor, Radiant Church Kansas City, Kansas
Friday, December 16th
Saturday, December 17th Joy:a source or cause of delight
The journey of finding joy in one’s life can be exhausting. This is the journey that I have been on for a few years. I believed joy would come when I got married or when I got a promotion at work. This is where I discover that I was confusing joy with happiness. I was VERY happy during my wedding and I was happy when I got the promotion at work. These were all great but these moments were not sustainable. Happiness is not sustainable. Joy is a source or cause of delight. I have found over the last few years that joy isn’t determined by my emotions or circumstances. I am joyful because I have the option to choose it. My source of joy comes from my Heavenly Father. He calls me daughter which makes me part of His eternal family. Joy can be chosen in the times when I forget that I am worthy of love and attention. Joy can be overshadowed by my fears and anxieties but it remains my desire. God has created us to be a joyful people. Not ones who are swayed by emotions. This is not to say that we can’t have bad days but when our source of joy comes from the one who created it our odds of looking at each situation with possibility and purpose is much greater. This verse is constantly on my heart and mind as I go through my day. I pray that you would find joy that can not be shaken this Christmas season.
Psalm 28:7(NLT) 7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. - Kaitlyn Yates
Week of Joy Recipe Pumpkin Bread 3 1/2 cups flour 3 cups sugar 2 cups pumkin (fresh or canned) 1 cup oil or 2 sticks margarine 4 eggs, beaten 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. cloves 1 tsp. all spice 1 tsp. nutmeg 2 tsp. salt (I use 1 tsp. or omit) 2/3 cup of water
Mix dry ingredients together. Make a well and add oil, eggs, and water. Beat together for five minutes. Pour into a lightly greased and floured pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until it tests done.
A week of Love The religious leaders would have been indignant. “What, are you kidding me – a new commandment?” When Jesus spoke those words ,it would have been tantamount to the proclamation of an absolutely heretical statement. – “What do you mean a new commandment? We have our commandments and they are carved in stone by God himself.” What the legalists of Jesus’ day (and perhaps those of our day) seem to have missed is that we have been created to live in the midst of a love story. Scriptures are replete with commands to love. Luke tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and our neighbor as ourself (Lk. 10:27). Jeremiah records God saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love…I have drawn you with lovingkindness” (Jer. 31:3). Counselor/Theologian John Eldredge says, “We live in a love story, a romance written before the foundations of the earth. Aren’t the most impassioned pleas of the Bible directed toward love?” The love demonstrated in the Christmas event is central to our understanding of this love story of God. The lover loves so deeply that He becomes one with us so that we too may become like lovers.
- Dr.Fred Cummings
Sunday, December 18th No wonder Christmas is such a special family time. The essence of the day is a mother and father’s celebration of their brand new child and our heavenly Father’s plan for all His children through the gift of His son. Around the first of December in 2005, Tom’s mother, Grace, had planned so far ahead that we received a huge box of wrapped gifts including her special Christmas cookies. We were happy to get the package but also bewildered and maybe a little annoyed. Who has time to wrap packages, bake cookies, send gifts, and be done with the holiday rush so early? We had papers to grade and finals to write! We plopped the box in a corner unopened since we didn’t even have a tree up yet. Then on the night of Dec. 12, Grace went upstairs to bed and passed away from complications of a stroke. She had met her Christmas deadline in a way that none of us could have foreseen. Once we returned to Kentucky after the funeral and unwrapped the box in the corner, each day Tom would take one bite out of one Christmas cookie. He made them last that year until the first of February, long after the other gifts had been unwrapped. Who in our family even remembers what else was given that year? What we remember is the gift from a mother who somehow planned ahead. Grace Fish’s Christmas Cookies Mix together 1 cup of soft shortening, ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 eggs, and a half tablespoon of vanilla. In another bowl stir together 2 and ¾’s cup of flour, a ½ teaspoon of soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a half cup of chopped nuts. Pour the dry ingredients into the first bowl and mix together, eventually using your hands because the dough will be stiff. Mold it a long smooth log about 2 ½ inches in diameter. Wrap in waxed paper and chill. With a sharp knife, cut the log into ultra-thin slices, at most 1/8 inch thick. Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake about 6-8 minutes in a 400-degree F. oven. Eat one bite a day if you wish or the whole recipe at once!
- Kathy Fish
The calendar says November 8, my country is divided, and I am supposed to write about love. I have written this thing a half a dozen times, but the words just will not come. You see, no matter what happens today, my family hasn’t exactly felt the love these past few months. My gender, our supposedly “broken” home, my children’s race and place of birth, even my vocation as a professor of world languages and cultures, all these things have been painted as so many strikes against us. Worse, the wounds are often inflicted by people claiming love. I confess that I cannot claim the same. I’ve never been all that good at saying things I don’t believe, and at this moment, a blanket of hurt threatens to smother any feeling of love, let alone any chance of calling it by name. Thankfully, none of that has to matter. We aren’t commanded to feel love or say love. We are told to do love. Simon Peter tried –three times– to tell Jesus that he loved Him. Each time, Jesus said to show it through the tending of His sheep. And that is something I, indeed all of us, can do. We can feed a hungry family, no matter where they’re from or what they believe. We can buy their kids their medicine and put presents under their tree. This Advent season, may we all choose actions in which Christ’s love will live. Amen.
- Dr. Laura Dennis
Monday, December 19th
Tuesday, December 20th I’m a bit of a November scrooge. To me, the shadow of Christmas should not darken my door until at least the day after Thanksgiving – and ought to wait until December 1st. So on the day after Halloween, when I spotted Christmas lights wrapped around a neighbor’s house, I felt my heart shrink a size. It happened again at a nearby shopping mall and there it was – holly jolly and silver bell jingles. Christmas is a birthDAY, not two birthMONTHS! I thought, plugging my ears. Just when I thought I could bear it no longer, some friends decided to go to a Christmas program… in the first week of November. I sat in my seat, huffing and puffing and scaring small children. (Perhaps I wasn’t visibly foul, but it’s what is inside that counts.) The program began with the usual suspects – on Dasher and Dancer, fake snow, and some chimes. They even tried a sing-a-long and I begrudgingly mouthed the words. The toyland babes became a horse-drawn carriage and the carriage gave way to camels and wise men. The wise men drew my attention to center stage, to a manger where bathed in blue light a baby lay. The music swelled. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die… Perhaps, I thought, I shouldn’t wait until December to celebrate the birth of Christ. After all – He loved me before I was born, too.
- Jordyne Carmack
“The LORD your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love and he will rejoice over you with singing. -- Zephaniah 3:17 My parents were good parents! Being an only child, I got lots of attention (by the way, I like being an “only child”). At least one of them was always around to take me to school, to play games, to watch tv, to listen as I practiced the piano (even when I did not want to practice), to take me on vacation and to take me to church. You get the idea! They were also there when I was sick, when I had my appendectomy, when my first “girlfriend” broke up with me, and when our first hurricane hit!!! They were always there…even when I wasn’t sure that I wanted them around. I look back on my life and on how much my parents loved me…even when I disappointed them. God’s love is like this…but so much more!! God loved us so much that He sent his only son Jesus to take away our sin…to be the light in a darkened world! May God’s LOVE shine throughout this holy season.
-Dr. Jeff Smoak, Jr.
Wednesday, December 21st
Thursday, December 22nd Carolyn Arends \ They’ll Know We Are Christians We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord And we pray that all unity may one day be restored And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love We will work with each other, we will work side by side We will work with each other, we will work side by side And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love By our love, by our love And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love By our love, by our love And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love Love is patient, love is kind Never boasts, not full of pride Always hopes, always trusts The evidence of Christ in us
- Jamey Temple
Today, as I reflect on a Christmas memory from long ago, I battle with the thought that it is not yet Thanksgiving, and this goes against my nature. However, I am thankful for the memory of that Christmas event because it has helped to form my perception of how Jesus, the Light of the world, burst into this darkness bringing with Him the revelation of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love. The Gospel of John reads, “That (Jesus) was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world”. I was in the 8th grade and active in our church youth group. It was during Thanksgiving that we decided to adopt a needy family from our community as a Christmas blessing project. The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas we received canned goods, clothing, hygiene products, toys and someone donated a tree. Our Sunday school classes became workshops of crafting paper ornaments, making popcorn garland and wrapping the gifts. We had never done this before and we were excited and nervous not knowing what to expect. Finally, the day to bless this family was at hand. With smiles of mysterious expectation, we entered the home of this family, ready to shine the light of Jesus. I was not expecting this to be the home of one of my classmates. I was not expecting his home to have no inside plumbing or electricity. No, I was not expecting that! He wasn’t expecting the true Light of Love to shine in his darkness but it did.
-Steve Kirkland, Pastor Green Street Church of God: Williamsburg,Kentucky
Friday, December 23rd
Saturday, December 24th Luke 2:1-20 (NLT)
The Birth of Jesus 2 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. The Shepherds and Angels 8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Sunday, December 25th Christ’s Enduring Love Now 26 years old she was abandoned as a young girl, struggling with epilepsy and other ailments, up until recently hemorrhaging since February of 2014. This family of 5 living in the mountains of Mexico has seemingly lived through hell. For 10 years our missionaries have enduringly loved them despite physical struggles, addiction, and lack of faithfulness to Christ. Many would say they were a lost cause a long time ago. Yet in our depravity Christ came. Amidst our darkness His light shone forth and chose to remain. Recently, a call came from her husband, “She can’t get out of bed, I have never seen her like this before, please come”. A few days prior this young man once again came forward in service to repent and ask Jesus to be Lord again. Our team arrived to a tiny shack in the pouring rain and thunder. They reminded them of God’s love and hope and cried out to Jesus for healing. Very late the next night someone knocked on the door. It was this family coming to rejoice for Jesus touched her body and made her whole! It’s the kindness of the Lord that leads us to repentance. It’s the enduring love of Jesus that keeps us showing up for 10 years until breakthrough comes. God’s love endures through our constant rejection of Him for the idols of this world. Christ’s enduring love in us will help us on the long road of bearing the darkness in humanity until each breakthrough comes.
- Chad Prytula, Missionary, Mountain Gateway: Dripping Springs, Texas
Week of Love Recipe Gladys’ Sugar Cookies 1/2 cup of fat 1 cup of sugar 1/4 cup of milk 2 eggs, well beaten
3 cups of flour to make a soft dough 2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt
1, Cream the fat and add the sugar gradually. 2. Add the beaten eggs and the milk. 3. Sift 2 cups of flour with baking powder and salt and then add into the sugar mixture. 4. Add enough more flour to make a dough that can be rolled. CHILL. 5. Roll out dough and cut with cookie cutter dipped in flour. Place on a greased cookie sheet. 6. Bake at 400 degrees F. till delicately brown.
Thank yous
I have been on many teams in my life but I don’t believe any as rewarding as this one. This project has been on my mind and heart since June. There are so many people that have helped with this project and have given their time, their talents, and their memories to complete this project. I would like to say thank you to them. To all the writers : faculty, staff, graduate assistants, contributing writers from churches within our community and pastors /leaders around the United States. We are so thankful for the time you took to write and to give us a new perspective of this season. To Jeremiah Massengale and his students: Thank you for creating the graphics for our book this year. Thank you for the use of the Newspaper computer! Thank you all for your talents to create joyful things! To the writers of the recipes: Thank you for sharing your lovely treats with us during this special holiday. To our proofreaders: Thank you for keeping us gramatically correct and for your time and effort to make our book the best it could be. To Dr. Bob Dunston, our department chair and advisor on this project: Thank you for always being willing to help and asist. Thank you for all you do for our department. To Dr. Larry Cockrum, our University President: Thank you for allowing us to share this with our students, faculty, staff, and community. We are grateful for all you do for our University! Thank you to all those who had a small or large part of in this book. People will be touched by your work and efforts. May God bless you with the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love of Jesus Christ,
- Kaitlyn Yates, Editor
Department
of
Missions & Ministry
University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, Kentucky
2016